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Take smart precautions for tick season

When many people think of dangerous critters in North Dakota, they probably think large – ranging from moose to turkeys jaywalking in city limits.

However, particularly this time of year and the summer ahead, it might be the many tick varieties that are the most insidious and more likely to cause real harm.

Last year there was 56 cases of Lyme disease reported in the state, 17 of anaplasmosis and 14 of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick bites are the source.

Moreover, as reported in Wednesday’s Minot Daily News, an alarmingly high percentage of ticks carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. The North Dakota Department of Health began a tick surveillance program last year. The state’s Department of Microbiology tested a total of 757 ticks last year – 551 tested positive for at least one type of tickborne pathogen. In our region, 279 of 350 ticks tested positive for at least one type of tickborne pathogen.

Illnesses from ticks affect different people in various ways; the same pathogen might have no impact on one person and be potentially fatal to another. Symptoms of tickborne diseases generally include fever, lethargy, muscle pain, headaches and chills. Sometimes confusion, coughs and rashes are evident. Sometimes it takes one to two weeks following a tick bite for symptoms to become noticed.

Prevention is far and away the best way to address the threat.

According to state authorities, it is suggested to use a repellent with 20 percent Deet. Clothing, boots and gear should be treated with permethrin.

It’s also important to check for ticks after spending, in particular, any time outdoors in brush and high grass, but it is a good practice to adopt as routine. Children need to be checked and older youth taught proper precaution. Ticks range in size and are not always easy to spot.

Pets are at risk as well. It’s advised to discuss prevention with your veterinarian and not simply accept that pets get ticks. There is a not-insubstantial risk and animals can be vehicles by which ticks enter your home.

While the small bug might not seem all that intimidating on its own, their tendency to carry very dangerous pathogens make them a considerable threat.

Let’s be cautious with what is much more than just a nuisance.

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